Category: 6. Sports

Rugby’s authorities have no immediate plans to follow American Football’s NFL in banning ‘smelling salts’ over concerns they may mask concussion symptoms.

Smelling salts – a pungent mix of ammonia, water and ethanol – are marketed as improving mental alertness or boosting energy.

One study suggested that by irritating the nose and lungs, they stimulate a sharp intake of breath and a short-term rush of oxygen to the brain.

However, in a memo to their teams, obtained by the Associated Press,, external the NFL warned smelling salts also “have the potential to mask certain neurological signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion”.

Their use is common in high-level rugby dressing rooms.

During half-time of the first British and Irish Lions’ Test against Australia last month, Lions flanker Tadhg Beirne was shown inhaling smelling salts as the rest of the team huddled up.

Video of his use of smelling salts, and team-mate Jack Conan’s reaction, were used on the team’s social media., external

Team-mate Ellis Genge has previously used them directly before England matches, while Premier League footballers have been pictured apparently using them on the pitch.

Competitors and team officials at the IFSC Youth World Championships in Helsinki, Finland attended a seminar focussing on athlete health and nutrition held by the IFSC.

As the first International Federation to implement a REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) policy and screening for competitions, the IFSC welcomed attendees from around the world to learn about the importance of energy availability, fuelling, and long-term health in climbing.

Led by Karen Halsell, the IFSC Medical and Anti-doping Commission member, who first introduced and delved further into REDs in climbing, the young climbers and their team officials were then addressed by Edward Gibson-Smith, a nutritionist from Great Britain.

Gibson-Smith, a researcher and sports nutrition practitioner specialising in nutrition for climbing, highlighted the importance of food and hydration before looking into common food ‘myths’ and providing example plans for fuelling for training and competing.

Kim Mitchell, the USA Team Leader and physiotherapist who attended the workshop with team members said: “It was an excellent presentation; there was a lot of information. There was basic information on REDs and the nutritionist gave a lot of great details about how to fuel your body before during and after competitions.

“I think it’s very important we do these kinds of things at the youth competitions. There was a good crowd there, it was pretty much packed, so it was very well received, I think.”

The IFSC plans to continue expanding education opportunities at events, reinforcing its commitment to athlete health, safety, and performance.

Dewsbury-Hall adapted well to Maresca’s system at Chelsea, but not to playing a bit-part role as Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez all featured ahead of him in the midfield pecking order.

Although Dewsbury-Hall started only twice in the Premier League in his sole season at Chelsea, he scored four times in the Uefa Conference League and came off the bench to set up Jadon Sancho’s goal in the 4-1 triumph over Real Betis in May’s final.

He was used mainly as a substitute in the Fifa Club World Cup, but scored his fifth goal for the club in a 4-1 victory over Benfica and appeared as a substitute in the 3-0 final success over Paris St-Germain.

He was a decent performer when given a chance for the Stamford Bridge side, but became part of a trend of players moving quickly in and then out again.

The sale of Dewsbury-Hall is particularly important as Uefa’s recent punishment for financial control violations suggests Chelsea must sell players from their last Conference League squad to ensure a “positive transfer balance” this summer.

If not, they can’t register new signings like Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap by September for the Champions League.

BBC Scotland will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sportscene with a special edition featuring famous presenters and commentators from down the decades.

Dougie Donnelly will be back in the Sportscene presenter’s chair on Saturday 9 August while Archie Macpherson, Rob Maclean and Jock Brown will be on commentary duties around the grounds.

Veteran commentator and presenter Archie Macpherson – who appeared on the inaugural Sportscene in 1975 – will be providing commentary at the St.Mirren v Motherwell match and Jock Brown, who was a commentator on the show in the 1990s, will be behind the microphone for the Livingston v Falkirk match. Rob Maclean, who has had two spells with the programme as commentator and presenter covering a total of more than 25 years, will be commentating on the Rangers v Dundee game.

Dougie, who’s a Sportscene veteran of 32 years, will be joined in the studio by current presenter Steven Thompson who’ll be providing analysis of the day’s action along with Gordon Smith, another well-known face from the programme’s past and returns as a pundit for this special edition.

The programme will also feature archive footage stretching back to the black and white television era and recollections of Sportscene highlights from the seasoned broadcasters.

The Sportscene veterans reflected on their highlights and the programme’s significance as they looked forward to the anniversary show.

Dougie said: ‘It was a great time for Scottish football and the Saturday night sports programme was absolutely required viewing.

‘I did 33 consecutive Scottish Cup Finals – what a privilege to have been in the hot seat for so many of the big occasions, including all the World Cups and everything else. I was hugely lucky and very much appreciate that.

‘I’m looking forward to going back on the show. Fortunately, I’m still working in broadcasting, so it’s not going to be as intimidating as it might have been. It’s live TV, what I’ve done my whole career, and it’ll be fantastic to go back again and talk about Scottish football.

‘I look forward to seeing the reaction from the Scottish footballing public.’

Rob Maclean had his first spell as presenter and commentator from 1990 to 2004, returned in 2009 and still works for Sportscene as a freelance.

He said: ‘It’s an iconic football show that has long been part of the vocabulary of our national game. It’s something I would have never contemplated as a youngster being involved in, having watched it. I feel privileged and honoured to be part of the Sportscene story.

‘It’s difficult to pick out a highlight because there have been so many, but one of the most memorable moments was being the tv commentator for Scotland against Brazil on the opening day of the 1998 World Cup in France.

‘It was a ‘pinch me’ moment to be part of that occasion – while trying not to think about how massive the audience was. And of course, for a spell Scotland were level with Brazil – we dreamed at that point that we might beat the World Champions.’

Jock Brown, who was with Sportscene for seven years from 1990, said: ‘I was absolutely delighted to have been on the show. I go back a long time – having started on BBC Radio Scotland in 1977 – and I was in and around the Sportscene studio back then. I knew that was the place to be.

‘During my time on Sportscene I did live commentary for the Cup Finals, internationals, and European club matches. Sadly, I didn’t do a World Cup tournament for the Beeb because we didn’t qualify in 1994.

‘The big stand out game for me was the first Cup Final, because it was probably one of the best Cup Finals there had ever been. Motherwell 4 Dundee United 3 after extra time and the teams were managed by the McLean brothers – both of whom I knew very well! The game was an absolute cracker.

‘I’ve done a lot of broadcasting since leaving Sportscene and I’m really looking forward to going back on the show. It’ll be good fun. It’s an iconic programme that has a big place in the story of sports broadcasting in Scotland.’

Prior to his 15 years with Sportscene, Archie Macpherson had spent 13 years on another BBC Scotland show which had paved the way – Sportsreel.

He said: ‘I started in 1962 with Sportsreel – on Black Saturday, the weekend of the Cuban missile crisis. My first report was Hamilton against Stenhousemuir at a time when the world was worried about nuclear warfare.

‘Programmes rely on the events they cover – and I was lucky enough to cover a succession of World Cups for Sportscene. They gave the programme a great status in the public eye.

‘The World Cup provided one of my career highlights – Archie Gemmill’s goal in Mendoza. It was a stand–out for me, and of course it went on to be featured in Trainspotting – although I had to record another commentary for the film because the sound quality of the original wasn’t strong enough.

‘I’m very grateful for this opportunity to go back on the show. It’s quite a gesture after all this time away from commentating on Sportscene.’

Tom Connor, Executive Editor, Sport, BBC Scotland, said: ‘We’re delighted that these Sportscene legends have agreed to come back and celebrate this milestone with the programme team and our audience.

‘Sportscene has been a cornerstone of broadcasting in Scotland since it kicked off fifty years ago, keeping its place as a fans’ favourite during a period of remarkable change in the game.

‘I’m sure our audience will enjoy the return of Dougie, Archie, Jock and Rob to the Saturday Sportscene team for this anniversary special.’

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JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – Japan recovered from a shaky first half and erupted after the break to claim a commanding 99-68 victory over Syria in their Group B opener at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 on Wednesday at King Abdullah Sports City.

Joshua Hawkinson delivered a monster performance with 26 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks, while Hirotaka Yoshii added 17 points, 4 boards, 4 assists and 2 steals.

Akatsuki Japan had to lean on a third-quarter surge that flipped the contest on its head. Trailing by nine at halftime, Japan found their rhythm on both ends in a runaway second half, outscoring Syria 67-27 over the final two quarters.

Things started brightly for the Japanese, who raced out to a 9-0 lead behind crisp ball movement and Syria’s early struggles finishing around the rim. But the momentum quickly shifted. Syria began to find their transition game midway through the first quarter and used a series of forced turnovers to trim the deficit to just one, 14-13, before Yuki Togashi’s late triple gave Japan an 18-13 edge after one.

The second quarter belonged entirely to Syria.

Keron Deshields caught fire, scoring 12 of his team-high 21 points in the frame as Syria went on a 19-4 tear to stun Japan and take control. Deshields controlled the pace with confidence, and Syria’s hustle plays extended their lead to as much as 10, 32-22. Japan responded with a short run to cut it to five, but Syria closed the half strong to head into the break up 41-32.

Everything, however, changed in the third.

Yoshii opened the half with eight straight points, slashing into the lane and hitting from deep to instantly cut the deficit. Hawkinson’s finish in the paint capped a 10-0 Japan run to reclaim the lead, and the floodgates opened from there. Japan’s offense, once stagnant, flowed freely as they hit shots from all over the floor and suffocated Deshields defensively, holding him scoreless in the quarter.

By the end of the third, Japan led 60-51, and the rout was on.

Syria briefly stopped the bleeding with a putback to open the fourth, but Japan answered with a 13-0 burst that broke the game open for good. With Hawkinson dominating the interior and the bench providing a spark, Japan cruised through the final minutes, stretching the lead to 31 at its peak.

Deshields finished with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists for Syria, who faded after the break and struggled to respond once Japan’s defense settled in.

With the win, Japan (1-0) turn their attention to a much-anticipated clash with Iran on Friday. Syria (0-1) will look to bounce back against tournament debutants Guam on the same day.

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It may be unfair, and it may be unusual. Still, it is certainly undeniable: most of the very best players make their home and enhance their reputations in the Western Conference.

The conference is swollen with award winners, statistical leaders, recent champions, certified future Hall of Famers and all-time greats. Here’s the stat: 13 of the last 16 Kia MVP trophies have gone to players currently on Western Conference teams.

What’s more, the West is home to those equipped to flex in the future — Victor Wembanyama — and those who are still managing to stretch their flex well into the current generation. That would be LeBron James, Stephen Curry, James Harden and a few others are nearing two decades of service.

All of this makes for a tricky and tough task when it comes to player rankings. Those who don’t cut probably can state their case for inclusion … that’s how deep the density of great players is in the West.

With all due respect to Harden of the LA Clippers, Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies and the Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker, here are the 10 best Western Conference players heading into next season:

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Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

Not only is he the best player in basketball, but he’s having one of the all-time runs in basketball history. Since 2021, Jokić has won three MVPs and finished runner-up in the two years he didn’t win. And there’s an argument to be made, even by him, that his runner-up 2024-25 was his best season yet. Therefore, with that gusty wind at his back, there’s no question Jokić remains in his prime and, therefore, still sitting on the throne. His triple-double capability on a nightly basis and franchise-carrying shoulders that still endure are evidence of No. 1 greatness.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Purely from a trophy-collecting standpoint if nothing else, Gilgeous-Alexander had one of the greatest seasons in NBA history: a scoring title, he was an All-Star starter, made the All-NBA First Team, won Kia MVP, the West Finals MVP, the NBA title and was NBA Finals MVP. He ran the table on the NBA and seemingly is getting better — at the very least, he’s locked in his prime. Even if he falls short of a few awards and accomplishments next season, Gilgeous-Alexander would remain at or near the top of the rank and file. He’s a hard act to follow, even for him.

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Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

His game is swelling right along with his pride and confidence, both of which are good. Edwards thinks highly of his place in basketball and where he’s headed, and that goes hand-in-hand with his development as a superstar. His 3-point shooting, both in volume and percentage, was last season’s surprise and proof that he hopes to introduce new wrinkles (and how he takes pride in his status). All he’s missing is an appearance in the NBA Finals, although at this rate, after back-to-back trips to the conference finals, he’s on pace to give himself a shot at the title.

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Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers

The shocking move to a new team and new system combined to hand him the briefest of setbacks. He didn’t make All-NBA after five straight First Team nods (he failed to reach the requisite number of qualifying games). Even without that honor, he is one of the game’s most effective triple-double talents who is fully capable of elevating teams and taking over games. All eyes are on Dončić this preseason to see if he has, indeed, whipped himself into better conditioning after enduring much criticism about his fitness. Doing so could lead to better defense from him this season and beyond.

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Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Here’s where the geezers are clinging to their well-deserved reputations for endurance. Curry is coming off his lowest scoring average of the decade (24.7) and the second-lowest full-season 3-point percentage of his career (39.7%). And yet, because he was so far ahead of almost everyone else in those categories, he’s still among the league’s best scorers with very respectable efficiency. A drop-off is inevitable, and maybe it happens this season. Until then, this is where he stands in the West, among the game-changers.

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Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks

It’s all about good health with Davis, yesterday, today and tomorrow. He couldn’t even make it through his first season — heck, first game — with the Mavericks without grabbing a body part. Such is life with one of the most accomplished two-way players of this generation. Make no mistake: Davis has few peers when it comes to doing work at both ends and should confirm as much in 2025-26. His shooting range and post-up skills draw double teams, while his rebounding and shot-blocking make him nearly impossible to replace. Unfortunately, his constant fragility puts his teams in such a position.

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Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets

As he creeps deeper into his late 30s, Durant can still get buckets on anyone. He may be running out of teams to join, but not running out of time. Durant is capable of getting 30 or 40 points on any given night, without forcing a single shot. His ability to score off the bounce, in mid-range and from deep is why he’s still a No. 1 option. The rest of his game — defense, rebounding, passing — remains respectable for his age. Much like his 2024 Team USA teammates Curry and LeBron James, Durant is playing tricks on the aging process and keeping his performance level high.

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Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers

Cut and paste the Anthony Davis description above when it comes to Leonard. There’s always the disclaimer “when healthy” that applies here as well. Yet his impact on games is so evident when he’s on the floor and capable of playing 35-plus minutes. Efficient shooting (41% on 3-pointers the last three seasons), solid one-on-one ability and a tremendous defender, Leonard remains a premier player here at age 34. He’s a two-time Kia Defensive Player of the Year who may never qualify for that or other awards because of the 65-game minimum. But this list is about the 10 best players, not the 10 most durable.

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LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

Only one player in the history of this game could call himself elite after two decades of tread wear, and that man is LeBron. He’s not at his peak, clearly and understandably, but remains on the A-list because the depreciation in his game is slight and mostly limited to defense. James remains capable of filling up a box score, taking the last shot and creating for teammates, all because his pride and dedication to fitness are making that possible. It will be a shocking moment when Father Time finally beats James 1-on-1, because even in his 40s, we tend to suspect he will be around, and at a high level, for a few more seasons.

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Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

He’s the flag bearer for the next gen, a freakish player with small-man skills inside a 7-foot-3 body. He was an elite defensive player almost from the moment he stepped on an NBA court. Assuming he’ll meet the minimum games played, he could have dibs on the Kia Defensive Player of the Year award for seasons to come. Wembanyama isn’t the marquee player in the league just yet, and no need to rush and give him that title right now. His game is evolving, which is a scary thought considering that if he never took the next step, he’d still be at an All-Star level.

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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.

The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Warner Bros. Discovery Sports.

With eight golds and a record 15 total medals, Marit Bjørgen is the most decorated Winter Olympian of all time.

The Norwegian claimed her first medal, a silver, in the 4x5km relay at Salt Lake City 2002, beginning a remarkable run that saw her dominate both individual and team events over the next four Olympic Games. At her final appearance in PyeongChang 2018, Bjørgen won five medals—the most ever by a female athlete at a single Winter Games—including gold in the 4x5km relay and 30km classical, bringing her career total to 15.

In addition to her Olympic success, Bjørgen also holds the record for the most individual World Cup victories in cross-country skiing with 114 wins, further cementing her status as one of the sport’s true icons.

RWC 2025 Warm-up

Saturday, 09 August 2025

Ireland vs Canada at Kingspan, Belfast, Northern Ireland – 13h00
Referee: Aurélie Groizeleau (FFR)
Assistant Referees: Lauren Jenner (FIR), Berenice Bralley (FFR)
Television Match Official: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)

France vs England at Mont de Marsan Stadium, France – 21h10
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU)
Assistant Referees: Clara Munarini (FIR), Maria Heitor (FPR)
Television Match Official: Leo Colgan (IRFU)

Italy vs Japan at Stadio San Michele, Calvisano, Italy – 19h30
Referee: Sara Cox (RFU)
Assistant Referees: Holly Wood (RFU), Amber Stamp-Dunstan (WRU)

Fiji vs Samoa at Lautoka, Fiji
Referee: Natarsha Ganley (NZR)
Assistant Referees: Jess Ling (RA), Chloe Sampson (NZR)

U18 International Series

Friday, 08 August 2025

SA U18 ‘A’ vs Ireland at HS Durbanville, Cape Town – 11h30
Referee: Juan de Bod
Assistant Referees: Local
Television Match Official: Dylen November

Georgia vs England at HS Durbanville, Cape Town – 13h30
Referee: Caleb Hibbert
Assistant Referees: Local
Television Match Official: Dylen November

SA U18 vs France at HS Durbanville, Cape Town – 15h30
Referee: Charlwin Daries
Assistant Referees: Local
Television Match Official: Dylen November

Tuesday, 12 August 2025

SA U18 ‘A’ vs Georgia at Boland Landbou, Wellington – 11h30
Referee: Daniel Canhenga
Assistant Referees: Local
Television Match Official: Quinton Immelman

England vs France at Boland Landbou, Wellington – 15h30
Referee: Lulutho Matomela
Assistant Referees: Local
Television Match Official: Quinton Immelman

SA U18 vs Ireland at Boland Landbou, Wellington – 13h30
Referee: Excellent Mnkomo
Assistant Referees: Local
Television Match Official: Quinton Immelman

Carling Currie Cup Premier Division

Friday, 08 August 2025

Suzuki Griquas vs DHL Western Province at Suzuki Stadium, Kimberley – 15h00
Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni
Assistant Referees: Stephan Geldenhuys, Daniel Canhenga
Television Match Official: Ben Crouse
Split Screen/FPRO: Eon van Zyl

Saturday, 09 August 2025

Vodacom Bulls vs Airlink Pumas at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria – 15h00
Referee: Morne Ferreira
Assistant Referees: Christopher Allison, Excellent Mnkomo
Television Match Official: Archie Moko
Split Screen/FPRO: Giana Viljoen

Hollywoodbets Sharks XV vs Toyota Cheetahs at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium, Clermont – 17h10
Referee: AJ Jacobs
Assistant Referees: Paul Mente, Phumzile Mbewu
Television Match Official: Egon Seconds
Split Screen/FPRO: Caleb Hibbert

Sunday, 10 August 2025

Sanlam Boland Kavaliers vs Fidelity ADT Lions at Sanlam Boland Stadium, Wellington – 15h00
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Referees: Dylen November, Zoe Naude
Television Match Official: Cwengile Jadezweni
Split Screen/FPRO: Charlwin Daries

Women’ First Division

Saturday, 09 August 2025

Griquas Women vs SWD Eagirls at Suzuki Stadium, Kimberley – 11h00
Referee: Chante Olivier

Griffons Women vs Leopards Women at Down Touch Investment Stadium, Welkom – 12h30
Referee: Aneka Smith

Valke Women vs Pumas Women at Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park – 12h30
Referee: Ayanda Ngombane

The eagerly awaited rematch between British boxing rivals Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn is scheduled for November 15 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The pair initially faced off in April in a thrilling middleweight showdown at the same venue, where Eubank Jr secured a unanimous decision victory, with all three judges scoring it 116-112 in his favour.

Despite there being no title on the line, the bout attracted significant attention, with many fans eager to see a sequel to the bitter rivalry that began with their fathers, Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn, who first clashed 35 years ago.

Although the two boxers had agreed on a rematch for 20 September, the bout fell through due to concerns over Eubank’s readiness.

However, organisers from Ring Magazine, led by Turki Alalshikh, have now confirmed the new date in November.

Eddie Hearn, promoter for Benn, also posted the news on social media, while Eubank’s camp has yet to make a public statement on the rescheduled bout.

In a twist to the saga, the proposed rematch had been called off in July after Team Benn expressed concerns over Eubank’s reluctance to fight.

However, the rematch was resurrected after Alalshikh intervened, setting the stage for the new November date.

While the first encounter between Eubank and Benn was filled with drama and intrigue, with both fighters pushing to the limit, it remains to be seen whether the rematch can capture the same magic.

Eubank, who had a draining weight cut in their first fight, has since proven his ability to meet the weight demands, but the question remains whether the second bout can replicate the excitement of the first.

Boxing enthusiasts will no doubt be watching closely to see if this new chapter in the Eubank-Benn rivalry can live up to the high expectations set by their first meeting.